Pastor addresses rebaptism

Saturday

Answer: We are only saved once and it cannot be repeated (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:10). Baptism is a symbol of that once-for-all salvation and, as such, it doesn't need to be repe

Question: Is it wrong to request rebaptism?

- Clarke Blankenship, Chester, Va.

Answer: We are only saved once and it cannot be repeated (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:10). Baptism is a symbol of that once-for-all salvation and, as such, it doesn't need to be repeated (emphasis on need). The order Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19 commands that we disciple the nations first. Scriptural baptism should follow salvation as a testimony of one's identification with Christ. Both salvation and baptism should be requested by those old enough to know they're entering a life-commitment to God.

Baptism by immersion, when the candidate is dipped under water, is a visual identification with and re-enactment of the gospel. We're saved by believing that Jesus died, was buried, and arose soon to be reunited with his Heavenly Father (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). When we let the preacher start lowering us into the water, it's an act of submission and obedience just as Jesus was obedient unto death (Philippians 2:8). When we go all the way under the water, we're enacting the experience of Jesus' burial in his tomb under the earth (Romans 6:3-4). Then, we're lifted up by the preacher just as the Father vindicated the Son by resurrecting him from the dead. This is a testimony of our belief in that gospel truth for our salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

Jesus is our pattern in all things. He was dedicated as a baby in the Temple, but he requested as an adult to be baptized. He wasn't baptized to be saved because he was already the perfect Son of God. After all, John's baptism in Mark 1:4 wasn't a baptism of the New Covenant. He didn't know about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Being the son of a priest, John was a priest under the Old Covenant and his baptism was the same as a laver-washing of the Jews before they served God. It was an act of repentance, praying their sins would be forgiven. Therefore, it needed to be repeated each time someone began service in the Tabernacle or Temple (Exodus 40:30-32).

So, there's nothing wrong in repeating baptism as an act of dedication just as we celebrate the Lord's Supper often to remember and rededicate ourselves to Jesus. This August, Lord willing, I will offer rebaptism in the Jordan on our Holy Land trip. Most of those pilgrims will have been baptized before, but I see nothing wrong with repeating it in the same river where our Lord was baptized. I don't believe it's wrong to repeat sincere vows that honor the Lord.

- Dr. Tom Lovorn is pastor of God's Storehouse Baptist Church in Richmond, and writes a weekly column on religion for The Progress-Index. You may send your Bible questions to Dr. Tom in care of the above newspaper or via his web site at www.tomlovorn.us.

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